I don't know if this post belongs in the Pasture, Winners Circle or Snark Factory..

That brings me to the winners circle! Finally, after dreaming of it since I was four, I have my own horse - I co-own her with my best friend! We bought Sunbird (AKA Birdy) in April last year. Birdy is a 18 year old American Saddlebred cross South African Boerperd Mare. She was a rescue case, we were not planning on a rescue horse but she stole our hearts the moment we saw her.. This has been the most amazing and rewarding experience of my life! We are doing some very much needed physical rehab for her so she is on a strict training program and currently not being ridden. (We are giving her a year off of riding and focusing on just doing ground work to help her find her natural balance again). She suffered a lot of damage done to her body, the cancer left undiagnosed and untreated by her previous owner being the least..

In spite of this Birdy is now healthy, happy and very loved. I don't know how I would have made it through the last year without my daily cuddles with her.. Now for some pics

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t652/Shazza1000/047%202_zpsfodsbooq.jpg

She has the softest, kindest face.. :)

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t652/Shazza1000/104_zps55b9pruo.jpg

Coming up to say hello

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t652/Shazza1000/011_zpsjj8ropew.jpg

You can really see the American Saddlebred in her here..

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t652/Shazza1000/17499412_10154166955586566_8005387273389562963_n_zpsidrlb0b7.jpg

Walk work - training her to stretch and relax

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t652/Shazza1000/17458434_10154166955461566_1377355600264252568_n_zps1maszyek.jpg

Trot work :)

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t652/Shazza1000/006_zpsoxtsz8dj.jpg

Happily grazing in the field

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t652/Shazza1000/eqwrg_zpsbgh85bqb.jpg

Stretch exercises

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t652/Shazza1000/031_zps4xwl4bmw.jpg

My favourite photo of her!

Thanks to those who took the time to read this lengthy post!

But just remember that after you have to deal with all that mess, and it is time to go home, you always have a sweet and loving face waiting for you in the barn:)